The group is appointed annually by Don Walker and its purpose is to discuss and advise on a range of features of NAHBS.

NAHBS Awards Get Major Overhaul

The handmade bicycle industry has evolved a lot since 2005, and NAHBS has evolved a lot too, and we thought it high time the NAHBS awards did the same. The matter was put before the new NAHBS advisory board, which gave detailed consideration to the structure and judging. After all our discussions we ended up with a plan that looks something like this.

Announcements
Builders will announce their intended entry to the NAHBS awards 45 days before the show, giving information about the frame/bicycle as well as the category they intend to enter. They don’t need to have completed the project by then, but they need to have it planned. NAHBS will publicly announce the candidates 30 days prior to the show.

Judging
Judging will be completed by late Saturday morning, with results posted by 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The results posting will comprise a list of bicycles/frames that deserve special merit. Up to three frames/bicycles in each category can be given a special merit award, but it might go to only one.

Awards
Awards placards will be distributed to the booth of each successful builder at 1:00 p.m. Saturday and will be displayed next to the winning bike for the remainder of NAHBS. The stage ceremony will be limited to President’s Choice, People’s Choice, Best New Builder, and Best of Show awards. In these categories only one builder can win.

Thanks to the NAHBS Advisory Board and in particular Tim O’Donnell of Shamrock Cycles, and Richard Sachs, for driving the lengthy and detailed discussion that led to the revised awards format.

The 2012 NAHBS Awards Categories are as follows: Materials Division

Best steel construction

Best of Show trophy

Best titanium construction

Best carbon construction

Best alternative material
(bamboo, aluminum, wood)

Riding Discipline Division

Best city bike

Best road bike

Best mountain bike

Best cyclocross bike

Best track bike

Best tandem bike

Best experimental bike

Construction Division

Best lugged frame

Best fillet frame

Best TIG frame

Presentation Division

Best finish

Individual Awards

People’s choice

President’s choice

Best new builder

Best of show

Another Record Year in the Works

It looks like the Sacramento show could be setting up to surpass the records set in Austin. By the end of June this year, 82 exhibitors had signed up compared with 60 at the same point in 2010 (then a record), and 113 of 211 booth spaces have sold.

Exhibitor services director, Lesley Schommer, says “With the current trend and the Sacramento location, it’s possible the show could sell out as early as Thanksgiving.”

The show’s founder and director, Don Walker, says, “If NAHBS is on a roll it’s because the handmade bicycle industry is on a roll. No doubt more consumers at the high end are realizing that supporting local artisans and manufacturers, and having a tailored fit and look, are worth more than a cookie cutter product for the same or more money.”

The world’s number one custom bicycle show, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show moves from city to city each year. In 2012 it is scheduled for March 2-4, in Sacramento, California. NAHBS showcases the talents of individuals around the world whose art form is the bicycle. It aims to be a meeting point – both online and in person- for frame builders and consumers looking for custom-made bikes, for the sharing of ideas, and the promotion of a special industry with a rich history dating back to 1819. Since its first year in 2005, NAHBS has grown from a show with 23 exhibitors and 700 attendees, to 174 exhibitors and 7300 attendees (2011).

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